Sonnex Rpet urges stronger plastic waste rules as Nigeria pushes circular economy

Sonnex Packaging Nigeria, operator of Sara Rpet, has called on the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to strengthen the country’s regulatory framework for plastic waste management, as authorities prepare to roll out new rules targeting recycling and extended producer responsibility.

During a visit by NESREA officials to Sonnex’s PET recycling facility in Ikorodu, Lagos, the company highlighted its investments in advanced recycling infrastructure and compliance systems, recycling more than 10,000 tonnes of plastic in its first year of operations. Over 90 percent of raw materials were sourced from local waste collectors and small businesses, underlining its role in driving circular economy growth.

“Regulatory engagement is a partnership for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Anil Mohinani, Sonnex’s director of business development. “Our investment in PET recycling, quality assurance and data tracking not only supports NESREA’s oversight but also demonstrates industry best practices.”

The discussions explored ways to enforce extended producer responsibility, create minimum content standards, and boost investment in plastic recycling. Sonnex positioned itself as a benchmark for compliance and collaboration, saying its experience could help refine policy and improve implementation across the sector.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills or waterways. The government is under pressure to align waste management with its circular economy agenda, part of the environment ministry’s presidential priorities.
“The Nigerian government prioritises the circular economy,” NESREA director-general Innocent Barikor said. “The National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, soon to be gazetted, is one of the efforts to strengthen the legal framework for circular economy implementation.”

Sonnex Packaging, through Sara Rpet, runs one of Nigeria’s most advanced PET recycling plants, positioning itself as a leader in environmental stewardship and industrial sustainability.